Imagine you’re on a luxury cruise, sailing the seas, seeing new cities, and you can explore your sexual desires without shame.
Sounds too good to be true? Not in the world of adult cruises. On these 18+ holidays, you board the boat and have the go-ahead to let your freak flag fly.
Like sex-positive swinger hotels and resorts, adult cruises are specialised charters that allow nudity, sex, and general mischief. Plus, all your fellow travellers are on board with the idea. There are no awkward moments here.
Curious? We thought so. Here’s everything you need to know about the world of adult cruises.
What are adult cruises?
Adult cruises (also known as swingers cruises or lifestyle cruises) are a niche within the general cruise industry.
Unlike your typical cruise liners, guests on these boats have all booked because they’re looking for swinging experiences, adventurous sex, or because they enjoy the nude lifestyle. Guests have open minds and a relaxed attitude when it comes to loving.
While the sensual atmosphere is the main attraction of adult cruises, it’s not the only element of the holiday. These cruises also stop in plenty of ports, have onboard restaurants and bars, and offer exciting entertainment and nightly shows.
It’s the typical cruise experience with a bit of sexy fun thrown in.
Prefer staying on land? See the top destinations for swingers here.
Adults-only cruise etiquette
Don’t assume adult cruises are sexual-free-for-alls. While some do allow public sex and nudity, most have rules around these behaviours, limiting them to specific times or spaces.
Before you book, you should generally research and check your potential cruise’s attitude to these themes. Some are more liberal than others, and you’ll also get slightly different crowds at each.
A great way to get accurate reviews is to search swinging cruises on Reddit. The r/swingers forum has plenty of in-depth reviews and discussions.
Also, swinging etiquette still applies to these cruises.
Curious couples tend to mark their rooms with pink flamingos or upside-down pineapples to signal their interest in sexual play. You should also be courteous and ask for consent before touching anyone.
Like at sex parties, many passengers on these cruises don’t end up having wild group sex. It does happen, but it’s not guaranteed. Instead, some people prefer to watch others or bask in the open atmosphere.
Is public sex allowed on adult cruises?
This is the number one question about adults-only and swingers cruises.
In general, the answer is no – you can’t have sex in public areas. Intercourse should always take place in guest rooms. This is why getting to know other guests is important, or marking your cabin with a pineapple or flamingo.
Some cruises come equipped with playrooms and designated areas where you can have sex. These tend to be open in the evenings and aren’t in the open to give guests some privacy.
Sexual contact isn’t usually allowed in public areas or pools. However, light petting or kissing is generally allowed.
When it gets hot and heavy, it’s time to head to your cabin!
Do you have to be naked on adult cruises?
Some adult-only cruises are advertised as nudist cruises. Even on these voyages, nudity isn’t mandatory. However, most guests will let it all hang out, as this is the reason they’ve booked the cruise.
It’s up to you whether you cover up or bare all!
Like nude beaches, you should be courteous to other guests. If you see a naked passenger, don’t stare or point! It’s also vital to note that nudity isn’t consent. You can’t touch someone without asking.
Nudity is usually allowed while sailing and by the pools. The rules might change for formal evenings or as you approach a port, as for the latter, you can’t be naked in front of members of the public.
Where can you find adult cruises?
You can Google adult or swingers cruises, and hundreds of results will come up.
To save you some time, we’ve singled out some of the most popular brands and liners. Start your search with these reputable companies:
- Desire Cruises – This brand provides clothing-optional, couples-only cruises. Cue erotic shows, nude pool areas, and playrooms. Unfortunately, singles aren’t allowed on these voyages.
- Bliss Cruises – An over 21s cruise line that’s swinger friendly and has clothing-optional pool areas. These sex-positive cruises tend to have an older age range, with most guests being 45 to 55. These are also couples-only.
- Temptation Cruises – Temptation Cruises welcome adventurous couples and singles, allowing everyone to enjoy public nudity, sexy playrooms, and workshops by industry-leading sexologists. Reviews also suggest these cruises are affordable, and you get value for your money.
- Virgin Voyages – Virgin Voyages isn’t technically a swingers’cruise. But since it has a no-children-allowed policy, it has a cult following of swingers. So, you’ll almost definitely see some flamingos and pineapples on these ships. Great if you want to dip your toe into the world without committing to a full-on cruise.
- Carnival Cruises – Lastly, Carnival Cruises are popular with single cruisers who want to meet other curious solo travellers. They’re not swingers cruises, but do have a party vibe and make it easy to meet other sexually free adults. Expect flowing drinks and non-stop entertainment.
Are the staff on adults-only cruises judgmental?
The staff on adults-only cruises aren’t judgmental at all! This myth couldn’t be further from the truth.
The way cruising works is that you have a ship and staff, which are rented by separate companies. For example, one week, the ship might host an 80s music cruise, and the next, a swingers one.
Many cruise ship staff have revealed that they particularly enjoy the adults-only crowd. Guests are friendlier, and the laid-back attitude is nice to work in.
You’ve got nothing to worry about!
The takeway
Whether you’re simply curious or ready to book an unforgettable, sexy holiday, we hope these tips and suggestions have inspired you to take the plunge.
And remember – what happens at sea stays at sea!
Read more about sex and relationships on the Vivastreet blog.
